Vick vows to lead new life

QB apologizes to Goodell, team, 'kids'

August 28, 2007|By Sam Farmer, Tribune Newspapers

Michael Vick apologized Monday for his involvement in dogfighting and vowed to redeem himself.

Shortly after entering a guilty plea on a federal dogfighting conspiracy charge -- one that leads to a Dec. 10 sentencing date and probable prison term -- the suspended Atlanta Falcons star made his first public comments on the situation.

Speaking softly and sounding neither rehearsed nor overly emotional, Vick stood at a hotel lectern and apologized to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, the Falcons and "to all the young kids out there for my immature acts."

"I offer my deepest apologies to everybody out there in the world who was affected by this whole situation," he said. "And if I'm more disappointed with myself than anything, it's because of all the young people, young kids, that I've let down, who look at Michael Vick as a role model.

"And to have to go through this and put myself in this situation ... I hope every young kid out there in the world watching this interview right now who's been following the case will use me as an example to using better judgment and making better decisions."

He added: "I will redeem myself. I have to."

Vick did not take questions. He made specific reference to dogfighting just once, calling it "a terrible thing," and saying, "I reject it."

U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson is considering whether to accept a deal that calls for a sentence on the low end of 12 to 18 months.

Although prosecutors have proposed a 12- to 18-month prison term, Hudson is not bound by the recommendation.

Vick admitted in court papers that he financed an illegal dogfighting operation at a property he owns in Surry, Va., participated in the killing of poor-performing dogs, and funded gambling on the fights.

Vick denied any involvement in dogfighting when allegations first surfaced in April, but Monday he admitted he previously was "not honest and forthright" when discussing his role.

The Falcons said they did not plan to cut Vick immediately and are sorting through their options.

He will remain on the roster, on the suspended list.

"This is not as simple as saying we're terminating Michael's rights," Falcons owner Arthur Blank said in a news conference at his Atlanta office after Vick's plea. "It's not in our fans' or franchise's best interest. It would be a short-term fix at the suspense of our long-term success."

Rich McKay, president of the Falcons, said the team would "aggressively" attempt to recoup bonus money paid to Vick, who in 2004 received a 10-year, $130 million contract extension.

Blank did not rule out the possibility of Vick returning to the Falcons after serving jail time or other disciplinary measures, should Goodell lift the indefinite suspension imposed last week.

Vick also still faces the possibility of state charges relating to animal cruelty, and he could face even more jail time if found guilty.